Cervical Cancer and Climate Change

Elisabeth Callen, Tarin Clay, Allene Whitney, Natabhona Mabachi

Background: The research question guiding this scoping review was: "What does the literature reveal (since January 1, 2005) about the association between climate change—or its underlying environmental drivers—and cervical cancer?" Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search using two major electronic databases: PubMed and Web of Science, for January 1, 2005, through July 30, 2024. 522 titles resulted from the search. One manuscript did not fit the research question after full review, leaving 10 articles. Results: Seven articles addressed ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. There were mixed results as to the exposure effect on cervical cancer rates. Two articles were more closely related to climate change – one discussed correlation between incidence and air pollution and the other discussed correlation between cervical cancer and average annual temperature. Conclusion: While direct evidence remains limited, findings suggest climate change may influence cervical cancer risk through pathways such as UV radiation, air pollution, and temperature changes. Policy Statement: Investing in resilient healthcare infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to preventive services are critical steps toward reducing the global burden of cervical cancer in the context of a changing climate.